Page 18 - Spring 2026
P. 18
Spotlight on Alumni, continued...
Then came 2020.
Like many community organizations, the Gateway
Ambassadors saw plans and momentum disrupted
by the global pandemic. Events were postponed,
outreach became more difficult, and
much of the organization’s early work slowed
dramatically. But the program did not disappear.
Instead, a new opportunity emerged when Houlton
found itself directly in the path of totality for the
2024 Total Solar Eclipse. With predictions of tens of
thousands of visitors descending on the Shiretown,
local leaders saw a chance not only to prepare for
Ambassadors, Jodi Crandall ’73, left & Paula Woodworth ’70, right,
a historic event, but also to showcase Southern helping to host students from all over Aroostook County to a showing
Aroostook County to the world. of “Lost on a Mountain in Maine.”
The Gateway Ambassadors became an essential part of
that effort. residents and students entering Houlton schools,
helping families connect with local resources and
Volunteers helped greet visitors, answer questions, organizations. Monthly meetings are intentionally
provide directions, support local events, and serve as held at different community venues, allowing hosts
visible representatives of the community throughout to showcase their facilities and contributions to the
eclipse weekend. Their work during the eclipse area. Organizations such as Cary Library, Houlton Water
celebrations — along with involvement in the red- Company, and Houlton Elks Lodge have all welcomed
carpet premiere of A Moment in the Sun at the historic the Ambassadors for meetings in recent years.
Temple Theatre — helped bring national attention to
Southern Aroostook County. More recently, the group has broadened its focus
beyond Houlton itself, placing greater emphasis on
promoting all of Southern Aroostook County. In doing
If there is one thing Houlton so, the Ambassadors have become something of a
does not lack, it is community trendsetter in regional welcoming initiatives and have
pride. been invited to present their work to county-wide
development organizations. Their impact has not gone
unnoticed.
Following the success of the eclipse, community In 2025, the SADC Attraction Committee — which
leaders agreed the Ambassadors should continue and includes the Gateway Ambassadors — received the
expand their efforts. “Rising Star” Award at the Governor’s Conference on
Tourism for its work surrounding the Maine Eclipse
Today, the organization remains active in a variety initiative.
of ways. Volunteers deliver welcome bags to new
18 www.houltonalumni.com
